I'm off to Vietnam and Cambodia and I wanted to leave you with some homework.

I can't just leave you all to twiddle your thumbs while I am off exploring and learning about Vietnam and Cambodia. So I've come up with a few items to keep you busy.

Assignment Number One:

Complete the short survey for Small Group Trips in 2024 and 2025. We do have a few exciting packages already on the booking board (see below) but the balance of our destinations through the end of next year will be dependent on your input. Ponder the options and select those which you are most likely to join.

If you don't see your dream destination on this year's list, let me know what it is. In the last survey question, I welcome your recommendations for future SGTs in 2026 and beyond. Or if I see ten people listing the same idea, I'll move it up to 2025.

Help me take you where you want to go! The survey closes January 31st, so take the opportunity now to chime in via the button below.

Assignment Number Two:

If you passport expires in 2024, renew it as soon as possible. Winter is the slow season at the State Department's Passport Office. 

Processing times are currently only six to eight weeks, with expedited service in only two to three weeks. I can remember last year when we saw a daunting 16 to 18 weeks for regular service. But I've seen recent stories from friends and colleagues who have had their new passports in hand considerably faster than that. 

By springtime, lots of folks with summer trips will be remembering that their passport dates aren't any good, or will expire too soon for border regulations at their destinations. Typically, your passport should be good for six months beyond the ending date of your trip. This can sneak up on you, so take care of it in plenty of time.

Assignment Number Three:

Consider your immunization records. Because I am headed to a less-developed region of the world, I visited with my physician for advice on immunizations. Many of the vaccines we think of as travel-related are really very basic protections that we might want to stay current on even if we're not traveling. 

Have you had your Hepatitis A & B and DTAP jabs as an adult? Some routine immunizations require several doses at fixed intervals (like hepatitis) before the body achieves a long-lasting immune response, while others need to be boosted after a certain number of years (like DTAP). 

If you're planning a trip to a destination where vaccines may be recommended for endemic and/or vector-borne diseases, start at least six months ahead of time. And if you're not traveling to a place like that, it's still probably worth a chat with your doctor to decide whether you might want to add any immunizations to your general health protections. 

Private planning

Are you ready for your 2024 or 2025 private travel? Don't forget that at least half my time is devoted to your individual trips, be they for you alone, family, or friends. My 2024 book is filling up, so let me pencil you in before it's too late. I can still accommodate several more clients for the second half of the year.

A Look at the Mon Voyage Datebook:

Alluring Amsterdam, March 17, 2024:

Unsold room have been released. Please reach out if you are interested in joining this small group and I'll check availability for additional rooms at the time they are requested. 

Find the scoop HERE. 

Incomparable Istanbul, May 5, 2024

SOLD OUT 

Let me plan your private trip...

Of Myths and Moussaka, Sept 1, 2024:

Only FOUR spots remain on this fabulous, feature-filled fortnight in Santorini, Crete, and Athens. Greece is a bucket list destination for so many people--are you one of them? Maybe it's time to give in to the siren song after looking longingly at the pretty postcard pictures. 

View the detailed brochure HERE.

Gems of Southeast Europe, June 22, 2025:

Current discount for this Lower Danube cruise to off-the-radar destinations is $500 per person through the end of March. BUT I have access to the extra 5% coupons that I can ONLY purchase while I am sailing on AmaWaterways. Guess what? I'm boarding the AmaDara to sail the Mekong January 22nd--that's in a few days. So if you are ready to commit to this trip and let me know by the 27th (remember, it's kind of tomorrow in Asia), I will come home from Vietnam with an additional 5% off coupon for you. After I return from this trip in early February, I will NOT have access to these coupons again until 2025.

Check out the Gems cruise at this LINK.

Christmas Markets on the Rhine, November 20, 2025: 

Do you love the festive season? The good cheer, the lights, the music, the tastes, the aromas, the gifts from the heart? Celebrate the beginning of the season with your extended family on board the AmaSiena--or escape your family at home (no judgment!). We will be able to visit many of the top ten Christmas markets in Europe on this itinerary.

Christmas Markets sailings always sell out early, so I'm starting early. And guess what? There is a 20% early booking discount from now until the end of March! Again, the same goes for the extra 5% coupons here. If you are ready to commit now, I will buy a coupon for you while I am sailing next week.

Learn more about this sparkling adventure HERE.

Please note that I will be out of the office through February 5th. I will be checking my email when I have good connectivity and tackling any client tasks when I have down time or sailing time. With spotty wifi in rural areas and the significant time difference, I appreciate your patience if my responses are not as fast as might be ideal. I haven't forgotten about you!

Travel is a thrilling lifetime learning opportunity, even when there's homework.

À la prochaine!